Mayo Clinic Health System bringing new medical center to Cannon Falls

February 20, 2013

CANNON FALLS, Minn. — Mayo Clinic Health System will break ground on a new, state-of-the-art medical center on the south side of Cannon Falls this spring. The final approval for the project came last week after years of planning and extensive support from the local community.

“This is a very exciting time for our community,” says Tom Witt, M.D., CEO of Mayo Clinic Health System in Cannon Falls, Lake City and Red Wing. “This new facility will benefit the community, the region, and more importantly, our patients. It will help us deliver the care our community expects and deserves and enable greater collaboration between care delivered in Rochester, Red Wing, Lake City and other communities.”

Patients and visitors can expect an improved overall experience beyond the continued presence of dependable, high-quality health care. The new facility will have up to 90,000 square feet or nearly three times more space than the current building, allowing Mayo Clinic Health System to expand its emergency medicine care and many other services, improve privacy, and add new technology. “We have very passionate staff who wants nothing but the very best health care for their neighbors, family and friends. The new facility will help us deliver that,” adds Dr. Witt.

“The community support for this project has been amazing and represents what can happen when a community partners with Mayo Clinic. This has truly been a team effort,” says Kathy Brekken, chair of the local community campaign cabinet, which solicited community support for the new medical center. “This marks the beginning of a new chapter of health care in Cannon Falls, one that started when we joined Mayo Clinic Health System in 2006.” Brekken also notes “this project may be the single most important project to the future well-being of our community that any of us will see in our lifetime.”

Robby Robinson, mayor of Cannon Falls, adds the greater Cannon Falls area will enjoy many economic benefits from a new medical center such as new job opportunities, and attracting new residents and new businesses. “It’s really a win-win for everybody,” says Robinson. “The city looks forward to a continued relationship with Mayo Clinic Health System.”

Construction is expected to start later this spring, with a tentative completion date in fall 2014. The project is expected to be a $28 million investment.